Page 124 of Grown-Up Second Chance

“I picked up some salad and dressing,” he said, totally unaware of my deep thoughts. “One of those pre-made things. I don’t have the patience to cut everything up anymore.”

“Lucky for me, Liz loves to cut up things into little pieces. She’s quite vicious about it, actually.”

He laughed. “I can see that. She’s always been a bit of a wild person.”

“You’d never tell by looking at her,” I said. “But if we ever got together, we’d probably have to stick to pre-cut things. I’m lazy in the kitchen. At least that’s what Larry always said.”

“From everything I’ve heard, Larry is an asshole.”

“Joe!”

“Well, it’s the truth.” He pointed the spatula at me. “If we ever get together—which I hope we will—we’ll share kitchen tasks.”

“Maybe we can cook naked,” I suggested with a grin. “Except for aprons.”

He reddened. “We’ll see,” he mumbled. “I’ll go get the fixings.”

While my parents put their love on display with frequent kisses, hugs, and words of love, Joe’s parents had been more of the keep-it-behind-the-bedroom-door type. It wasn’t going to be easy to get him to be more openly affectionate, even if it was just the two of us.

But I couldn’t hide my desire to explore the juicier side of life. Not any longer. I’d been hiding who I was for way too long. If Joe couldn’t accept that, I was going to have to walk away.

Although it made me sad in a way, I also felt liberated.

“Can I help you?” I asked as Joe came out of his trailer with condiments and the salad.

“I’ve got it,” he said. “Burgers should be about done. We can eat at the picnic table.”

We spent a few moments prepping our burgers before Joe said a quick grace. Then we dug in. It was silent for a while as we ate.

“What have you been doing with yourself?” I asked.

“I’m making great progress on my book,” he said, then grinned. “Best of all, an agent got back to me. He wants to see more of the manuscript!”

“That’s great! Did you send it?”

“I have to finish it first.”

“Details, details.” I laughed. I was happy for Joe.

We managed to find enough small talk to make it through dinner. It was only after the dishes were done, and we walked to a nearby river that I felt it was time to start talking about what really mattered between us.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Two bullfrogs competed by the river as I gathered my thoughts.

Jug-a-rum. Jug-a-rum.

Not a bad idea.

“Joe,” I said when we reached the parched stream. “We need to talk.”

“Yes,” he said. “Isn’t that why you’re here?”

I wanted to blurt out: I’m here for a night of wild passionate sex! It’s been way too long!

But I was kinder than that … at the moment.

“We’re going to be on the road until next May,” I said. “I’m not giving that up.”

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